8 ways your child benefits from music tuition

Einstein used it when brainstorming new theories and Steve Jobs turned to it when he needed a break from launching Apple. We’re talking about music – a creative outlet for some, and a burning passion for others.

Did you know, musical tuition can also help a child excel at school? This fact was a driving force behind our new partnership with the International Music Institute (IMI) in January, which allowed us to expand the Aldar Academies Music School.

Currently available across six of our seven academies (excluding Al Ain Academy), the Aldar Academies Music School enables students to develop their skills with the support of professional music specialists. Alongside access to a wide range of instruments, students can also pursue music theory and vocal tuition.

There’s no shortage of choice, but just what are the wider benefits of learning to play an instrument or sing? Here are eight examples.

1. It provides a ‘safe environment’ to develop creative skills

"Structured musical tuition provides students with a safe environment to explore their creative outlets, while learning new skills and developing their personalities." says Rebecca Octave, Head of Aldar Academies Music School.

One parent who has seen this positive influence firsthand is Basma Al Shamsi. "I can see the change in my daughter. There’s an extra confidence and maturity there – especially when she’s among other cultures. She warms to people and appreciates the conversations she has," commented Basma. "Her creativity has also flourished, in art and language. Although she’s always been a high performer, her English reading level has jumped well above her age".

2. It improves memory

Musical training has been shown to improve a child’s ability to retain knowledge, according to The Guardian newspaper. Studies have shown that musical education enlarges the left side of the brain, which leads to musically-trained students retaining nearly one-fifth more information than their non-trained peers.

The experience of Basma’s daughter, Sheikha, back up these findings. "Since my violin lessons, I’ve found it easier to complete times tables and addition during maths. I think that’s because you need to memorise a lot and concentrate during music exams, which also include maths" says Sheikha. "For example you’re adding half notes to make full notes and counting the music to keep rhythm, so you need to understand that."

3. It aids the development of language and reasoning skills

Physical development of the left-hand side of the brain has also been linked to enhanced language and reasoning skills, according to The Children’s Music Workshop. This development continues for many years after birth, which highlights the benefits of musical tuition from a young age.

4. It enhances problem solving skills

"Music is made up of dots and lines to make a code, and it is up to the musician to decipher that code" says Jennifer Marr, Aldar Academies Music School Coordinator and Brass Specialist. "Doing this on a regular basis enables students to develop a disciplined approach to problem solving, which they can apply beyond the realms of music".

5. It teaches collaborative skills

Although musical tuition provides students with a valuable opportunity to learn independently, it’s also an effective way to teach collaborative skills. Playing in an orchestra, singing in a choir or forming a band all require team work and interpersonal communication. These are skills we all need to succeed in our professional adult lives.

6. It boosts a child’s confidence

As well as teaching collaborative skills, live musical performance teaches students to feel comfortable and confident presenting themselves in front of an audience. At the same time, the process of creating music together allows students to share feedback, helping them learn to accept constructive criticism and engage in self-reflection.

7. It helps to improve physical skills

The benefits of music tuition aren’t all mental. Learning to play an instrument helps to develop good posture and motor skills. By using repetitive movement of hands, arms and feet, it can also aid in the development of balance, co-ordination and timing, which will transfer to other disciplines, such as sport and dance.

8. It even has health benefits

What’s more, it’s known that playing a wind instrument such as the trumpet or saxophone can help reduce respiratory conditions, including asthma, a common childhood ailment. Being able to control the volume of air flow into and out of your lungs helps to strengthen them, which can aid in activities such as underwater swimming and scuba diving.

Evidently, the benefits of music tuition stretch far beyond concert halls and recording studios - it can also have a hugely positive influence in the classroom.

If you are interested in booking music tuition for your child, please click on the relevant academy link below: